According to Public Justice, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the fourth circuit has rejected claims from the state of North Carolina that conducting undercover investigations of animal agriculture facilities, daycares, nursing homes, etc., and publishing the results is outside of the scope of protection of the First Amendment.
This is a win for the plaintiff in this case because it ensures that investigators, whistleblowers, and journalists, can continue to expose "unsafe and unethical" practices at these facilities.
The plaintiffs group which includes People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Center for Food Safety, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Farm Sanctuary, Food & Water Watch, Government Accountability Project, Farm Forward, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been fighting against North Carolina's "Anti-Sunshine" Law to protect the public's right to undercover investigations and whistleblowing.
Food Project Litigation Director David Muraskin stated, “Today’s decision is an important win for our clients, who can continue to document and expose unsafe, unethical and inhumane working conditions. The Fourth Circuit correctly held that North Carolina cannot create a law to target our clients’ right to expose a workplace’s illegal activity. These types of investigations hold employers accountable and ensures a just and transparent food system.”
To read more about this case, click here.
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